Late Fall Fishing on Lake St. Clair - Smallmouth, Walleye, and More on the Chew

Fishing out here on Lake St. Clair this Thursday, November 6th, it’s shaping up to be classic late fall action—chilly mornings, lots of crisp air, and some bold, hungry fish still on the chew before winter. We’re looking at sunrise today at 7:18 AM and sunset at 5:21 PM, so there’s a solid window for both early risers and those who want one more evening cast. Lake St. Clair doesn’t see tide, but water movement is still a major player, with wind-driven currents keeping the bait stirred up on the flats and around the channels. Today’s forecast from the National Weather Service says expect a high around 46°F, light northwest winds, and overcast skies most of the day, which usually means fish’ll stay a little more active in shallower water. Layer up, especially if you’re running out before sun-up—these late-season winds cut sharper across that big open water. Smallmouth are still the dominant story on St. Clair right now. According to recent DNR reports, the lake’s bass size structure is looking real solid, with lots of fish in the chunky three- to four-pound range, and multiple year classes holding through the fall. Most anglers this past week have been putting numbers in the boat—double-digit mornings aren’t out of the question, with a healthy mix of smallies and a few bonus largemouth mixed in. Some walleye are showing up too, especially as temperatures drop and those fish push shallow to chase last-minute bait balls. The hottest bite this week has been around the Mile Roads—11 Mile and 9 Mile are both reliable, with the break lines off St. Clair Shores producing well. The dumping grounds remain a fall go-to, with classic rock-and-gravel structure drawing both bass and the occasional pike. Anchor Bay and the area off Metro Beach are also in the rotation, especially for shore-going anglers targeting shallow transitions. Best lures right now? According to Great Lakes bass experts like Jonathon VanDam, you can’t go wrong with a drop-shot loaded up with a small worm or minnow-style plastic in natural colors. Tubes and small swimbaits, especially in green pumpkin, shad, or goby patterns, have been hammering smallmouth on both edges of the flats and around current seams. Anglers running a lighter 3/8 to 1/2 ounce drop-shot weight or a 3-inch swimbait on a ball head jig report the best numbers. If you like power fishing, a white or chartreuse spinnerbait or a medium-diving crankbait can get smoked when the clouds roll in. Walleye chasers are still finding success slow-trolling small crankbaits or jigging with live minnows and blade baits along the south channel edges. Live bait can still be king in November, particularly if you kite for those bigger walleye—live minnows, shiners, and even softshell crayfish when you can get them. For bass, scent-impregnated plastics or adding a little attractant to your tubes helps on pressured fish. From the local charters and guide reviews out of St. Clair this week, nearly every group is reporting a steady bite, This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.